School officials take pride in Rutgers recruit

Long Branch’s Foster-Shuler pursued by many college teams

BY KENNYWALTER Staff Writer

Long Branch Superintendent Joseph A. Ferraina (second from right), along with the recruit’s family members and school officials, watches as Long Branch High School’s Miles Shuler-Foster makes it official on Feb. 2, signing his National Letter of Intent to Rutgers University. LONG BRANCH—While some big name programs had interest in Long Branch wide receiver Miles Foster-Schuler, in the end the Long Branch standout decided to stay close to home.

Foster-Schuler, a senior at Long Branch High School who had more than 20 scholarship offers, last month signed with Rutgers University on National Signing Day Feb. 2 and Long Branch Athletic Director Jason M. Corley said he will set an example at the Big East school.

“It is good to see [he chose] Rutgers University so he is close to home and his peers could come up,” Corley said in an interview. “He is still close enough to be a role model for the younger students here to see what Miles is going through and to want the same opportunities that he has.”

Corley said many of the bigger programs were in contact with Foster-Schuler before he verbally committed to Rutgers in December.

“At least 20 schools have either called, sent letters or physically came in to meet with Miles,” he said. “It was exciting to see some of those big name coaches that you see on TV come in and really pursue Miles.

“It definitely is a humbling experience to be a part of this process with Miles,” he added.

Rivals also ranks the 5-foot-11, 173- pound Foster-Schuler as the third best player in the state, the 16th best player at his position and the overall 127th best player in the country.

Corley said that Foster-Schuler was not only a successful football player but also worked hard on his academics.

“Miles is a strong-headed, intelligent young man,” he said. “Miles is an example of hard work, dedication and a product of what his parents did for him.”

According to Corley Foster-Schuler is in the top 10 percent of his class and is an honor roll student.

Corley said the entire recruiting process can be an overwhelming one.

“As far as his recruiting process, it was very demanding as far coaches as coming in and selling their best product,” he said. “It was exciting, I know he was overwhelmed trying to make a decision.”

Corley said that in the final month leading up to his Dec. 18 commitment to the Scarlet Knights, Foster-Schuler kept his decision to himself.

“I think he was secretive to the point that his parents didn’t even know,” he said. “Miles did keep this under wraps.”

After Foster-Schuler decided to stay instate, Corley said he was a little surprised.

“When he did come out and commit to Rutgers itwas a shock,” he said. “We kind of thought Miles was going to leave the nest and venture out to schools away from New Jersey.

“For him to say he is staying home was a surprise to other people,” he added.

Corley said that the finalists for Foster- Schuler were Rutgers, Notre Dame, Stanford and Northwestern, and the prevailing thought was that he would pick Northwestern.

Schuler made official visits to Rutgers, Northwestern and Stanford with his uncle and Corley said he made a few more unofficial visits.

Corley also said that he is not aware whether or not Schuler will be asked to “red shirt” (practice but not play the first year) but he hopes he doesn’t.

“As far as I know he is going to compete to play,” he said. “The Miles Shuler that I know is going to compete hard, so hopefully he will play right away.”

Foster-Schuler was also a standout in winter and spring track & field, but Corley said he is unsure if Rutgers Coach Greg Schiano would let him run track in college.

Corley said that the last player from Long Branch who received major Division I attention was outside linebacker Berkeley Hutchinson, who also signed with Rutgers in 2002.

Corley said that Foster-Schuler received more recruiting attention than Hutchinson and that players like Foster-Schuler don’t come around often.

“Miles is one of those kids that comes once every decade,” he said. “Those type of kids that as a father, that’s what you strive for your son to be, not only competitive on the athletic playing field but also in the classroom.

“Miles is definitely an individual that you see a bright future for on the field and off the field,” he added.

Long Branch School Superintendent Joseph Ferraina also had praise for Foster- Schuler.

“We are very proud of him,” he said. “He’s an excellent student, so he is what we are looking for in our athletes.

“We look for big things from him in the future in college and maybe beyond that,” he added. “We are happy he received all the honors he’s received, it is always nice to have a student athlete who is a good person.”